Marines in LA: Training & Operations – NBC Los Angeles
- Marines have been deployed to Los Angeles to assist national Guard troops stationed at federal buildings, officials said Wednesday.
- The troops are tasked with guarding federal facilities, including the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles.
- As of Wednesday morning, the Marines were undergoing basic training regarding rules of force, according to a defense official.
Marines have arrived in Los Angeles too support National Guard troops amid escalating protests against immigration enforcement, a move authorized by President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.This deployment of approximately 700 Marines,tasked with guarding federal facilities,follows a period of civil unrest marked by looting,vandalism,and widespread demonstrations. With a curfew in effect and over 100 arrests made, tensions remain high as the military’s role in the city expands, sparking debate from California Gov. Gavin Newsom. The Marines are undergoing training, and some could be deployed as early as Wednesday. News Directory 3 is covering the ongoing developments surrounding this sensitive issue. Discover what’s next as the situation evolves, including potential legal challenges to this military presence.
Marines Arrive in Los Angeles Amid Immigration Enforcement Protests
Marines have been deployed to Los Angeles to assist national Guard troops stationed at federal buildings, officials said Wednesday. The deployment, authorized by President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, involves about 700 Marines and over 2,000 National Guard members.
The troops are tasked with guarding federal facilities, including the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles. Four military vehicles were seen leaving Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos early Wednesday, though their connection to the Los Angeles mission wasn’t instantly confirmed. U.S. Northern Command verified that the Marines could begin operations Wednesday.
As of Wednesday morning, the Marines were undergoing basic training regarding rules of force, according to a defense official. Some Marines could be deployed to the streets as early as Wednesday, but no orders had been issued.
Recent demonstrations,largely peaceful,have focused on immigration enforcement operations in the downtown area. A curfew, implemented Tuesday night after looting and vandalism, expired early Wednesday. Mayor Bass reported about 100 arrests overnight, mainly for unlawful assembly and curfew violations, with no looting or vandalism arrests.
The curfew covers approximately one square mile within the 500-square-mile city and could remain in effect for several days, Bass stated.
California Gov.Gavin Newsom has strongly criticized the Trump administration’s policies and tactics related to the deployment of the National Guard and Marines amid ICE raids and protests. Earlier Tuesday, police arrested several protesters who entered the 101 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles.
Los Angeles police enforced the curfew using officers on horseback and crowd control projectiles to disperse demonstrators protesting President Trump’s immigration crackdown. National Guard members stood behind plastic shields but did not participate in the arrests. Sporadic confrontations continued, though smaller than previous nights.Officials deemed the curfew necessary to prevent vandalism and theft.
More than 100 arrests were made in connection with Monday night’s violence, including vandalism and looting.Since Friday,the LAPD and CHP have made at least 200 arrests,according to a law enforcement source.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell stated earlier this week that the Marines’ arrival without coordination would pose logistical and operational challenges. Trump claimed on truth Social that the city “would be burning to the ground” without military intervention,though local law enforcement responded to the recent violence.
Newsom accused Trump of creating a “military dragnet” in Los Angeles with the increased National Guard presence and Marine deployment. He requested a court order to halt military assistance to federal immigration agents, arguing it would escalate tensions. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
This shift brings the military closer to law enforcement actions like deportations, fulfilling Trump’s promises for his administration’s immigration crackdown. While the Guard can temporarily detain individuals who attack officers, law enforcement would ultimately make any arrests.